On Tuesday the Cleveland Indians announced they have signed free agent right-handed pitcher Jeff Manship to a minor league contract with a non-roster invitation to Major League camp. Also, infielder Audy Ciriaco who was resigned to a minor league deal earlier this offseason has been extended an invite to Major League camp as a non-roster player.

I hope all of you have had a great holiday season! In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andrew Zajac will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on the possible teams in line for Max Scherzer, the Yankees dealing a pen arm, teams that have kept in touch with Asdrubal Cabrera, and more.

It should come as a surprise to no baseball fan that the Indians went shopping for a bargain in free agency this winter, but it was at least mildly shocking that they came up with Gavin Floyd. Floyd has missed most of the past two seasons with injuries and the Indians are pretty well stocked with starting pitching. There are many questions that might be on a Cleveland fan’s mind, but one that is hard to answer is how we should expect Floyd to perform. IBI newcomer Craig Fletcher tries to answer that in his debut piece...

Terry Pluto’s and Tom Hamilton’s new book, Glory Days in Tribe Town: The Cleveland Indians and Jacobs Field, 1994-1997 (Gray & Co., $15.95) is chock full of memories of the Cleveland Indians’ most successful seasons from 1994-1997. The IBI's John Vourlis recently had a chance to read the book and shares his review in his debut piece for the IBI...

As teams begin to close up shop for the Christmas holiday there was still some news to be made on Tuesday as waiver moves dominated the league. One particular waiver related news item involved lefty Nick Maronde who cleared waivers. The IBI's Tony Lastoria shares the details on that along with a flurry of signings throughout the league...

The Indians added Gavin Floyd to the rotation last week which means the Indians will have a strong competition for the fifth and final spot in the rotation this spring. One of those candidates is Danny Salazar who looks like a favorite going in for the final spot, but the IBI's Tony Lastoria wonders if the Indians might consider trading him at some point or change his role to the bullpen if his consistency and health issues persist. Tony also notes how David Murphy may not be dealt this offseason, notes an injury to Jesus Aguilar which has ended his winter season and more.

With the holidays upon us, wishing you and yours a very happy and warm holiday season! In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andrew Zajac will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on the Twins extending Phil Hughes, the Pirates earning the winning bid on Jung-ho Kang, MLB umpires reach a new labor agreement, and more.

Since the acquisition of Brandon Moss almost two weeks ago there has been a lot of speculation as to what player the Indians will move off the roster to make room for him and what team that player may go to. With the Giants announcing they have a need for a left fielder and looking to acquire one at a low cost via trade, perhaps there is a match with the Indians for Murphy. The IBI's Tony Lastoria provides the news on that and more...

The 13-year anniversary of the Roberto Alomar trade passed earlier this month. In what seems like a lifetime ago, it is amazing that it has now been 13 years since that trade was consummated on December 11, 2001. It is a trade that signaled a dramatic change in the direction of the franchise and was the opening salvo for what has since become a 13-year war between the fans and ownership on the true intentions of that new direction. The IBI's Tony Lastoria reminisces...

Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andrew Zajac will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on the Padres stockpiling bats, the Giants finding a third baseman, the Yankees making a trade, and more.

The Indians made a surprising decision with the starting rotation this week signing Gavin Floyd to a one-year deal, guaranteeing him a rotation spot, and pushing one Danny Salazar or T.J. House out of the rotation. The IBI's Tony Lastoria tries to make sense of it all and explains the rationale behind adding a veteran starter like Floyd to mix in with a rotation that has so much promise.

Happy Friday! In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andrew Zajac will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on the Athletics trading away another All-Star player, the Royals ink another starter, the Red Sox looking to trade Allen Craig, and more.

The AL Central has been one of the most predictable, uncompetitive divisions in the majors for years. There always seems to be a tight race at the top, as well as a legitimate contender who stands alone. Next season appears to be different. The AL Central as a whole has greatly improved in recent weeks, and with the conclusion of the Winter Meetings the gap between teams in the division appears to have shrunk. So with the offseason in full swing, how does each team stack up piece-by-piece? The IBI's Anthony Kaylor ranks the rotations...

This past season the Indians had back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in 13 years, Corey Kluber won the AL Cy Young award and Michael Brantley finished third in the MVP voting. While it was a better season than most will admit, IBI newcomer Len Kehoe digs deep to find all sorts of interesting stats and nuggets to show how good of a season 2014 was for the Indians...

The Indians struck again on Tuesday making 31-year old pitcher Gavin Floyd their second significant offseason acquisition. While the addition of Floyd means that the Indians likely will have to send a good starter to Triple-A Columbus to start the season, the IBI's Graydon Fox believes it is a good thing and that the Indians starting pitching depth should provide them options.

With the signing of Gavin Floyd on Tuesday, Indians GM Chris Antonetti confirmed to the media that four of the five spots in the starting rotation are locked up with Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer, Carlos Carrasco, and Floyd (in no specific order). That leaves one final spot left in the rotation. IBI newcomer Josh Poloha talks about the four candidates for the final spot and picks the one he thinks is the best fit right now.

The Major League Baseball offseason continues to surprise as yet another big deal appears to be happening with Wil Myers changing location from the east coast to the west coast. The IBI's Tony Lastoria provides the details on that potential deal plus all the other news and notes from Tuesday...

The Cleveland Indians have signed free agent right-handed pitcher Gavin Floyd to a one-year $4 million deal for the 2015 season. The deal also includes an additional $6 million in performance bonuses tied to the number or starts he makes and innings he pitches next season. The IBI's Tony Lastoria shares the details...

The popular approach in Cleveland these days is to ridicule the Indians for their lack of activity this offseason, but if you step back and look where this team is now compared to two years ago at this time it is amazing the turnaround they have enjoyed. The IBI's Tony Lastoria takes a look at the key players in their turnaround, manages expectations with Jose Ramirez and Jason Kipnis, talks about a sleeper minor league signing and more.

Getting the itch for Spring Training yet? In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andrew Zajac will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on the Yankees re-signing Chase Headley, the Royals making another splash in free agency, the Dodgers make a risky signing, and more.

Available IBI Books

The 2014 Cleveland Indians Baseball Insider book featuring the Indians' Top 100 Prospects and more is now available. Also, previous editions from 2008-2012 are also available at a discounted rate. Just click on the book image for more information. Thanks again for all the support!